Apparatus and method for forming a bathtub liner
a bathtub and shower stall technology, applied in the field of bathtubs, can solve the problems of difficult to obtain a good fitting liner and difficulty in perfectly matching the existing bathtub
Inactive Publication Date: 2004-10-21
DOMANICO MARK WAYNE
View PDF3 Cites 0 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
Enables precise fitting of bathtub liners without removing the existing bathtub, reducing costs and inventory needs, and allowing for on-site manufacturing with improved installation efficiency and accuracy.
Problems solved by technology
While the use of bathtub liners has provided an attractive alternative to bathtub replacement, there are nevertheless drawbacks.
For example, among other problems, due to the differences in bathtub dimensions and designs, one must maintain an inventory of differently dimensioned molds so that a suitable mold exists for each of a variety of bathtubs.
Even with a variety of molds, it is often difficult to perfectly match the existing bathtub.
In turn, even with a substantial (and costly) inventory of molds, obtaining a good fitting liner can be difficult.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
Embodiment Construction
[0042] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail, one specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
[0043] Referring now to the figures, and in particular to FIG. 1, bathtub liner forming apparatus is shown generally at 10. Most commonly, forming apparatus 10 is used in association with existing bathtub 100 (FIG. 2) to form liner 200 (FIG. 3) into the shape of the existing bathtub 100. Advantageously, while the liner can be formed with molds at the factory or other manufacturing facility, the forming apparatus is well suited for in place molding of a liner at the installation site, wherein the existing bathtub itself is used as the mold (without the removal of same).
[0044] Forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, in...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
| Property | Measurement | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| length | aaaaa | aaaaa |
| width | aaaaa | aaaaa |
| width | aaaaa | aaaaa |
Login to View More
Abstract
An apparatus for forming a bathtub liner over an existing bathtub comprising a container, a seal, a heating element, and a pressure increasing element. The container defines a cavity. The seal is associated with cavity and is capable of forming a substantially continuous seal with a bathtub liner. The heating element is capable of heating the cavity, and in turn, the liner. The pressure increasing element is capable of increasing the pressure within the cavity, to in turn, force a bathtub liner outwardly, away from the cavity. Upon positioning of the liner and apparatus over an existing bathtub the pressure increasing element will force the liner toward and into contact with the surfaces of the existing bathtub.
Description
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates in general to bathtubs, and more particularly, to a bathtub and shower stall liner which can be formed off site at, for example a manufacturing facility, as well as on site without removal of the existing bathtub. It will be understood that while the application will discuss embodiments pertaining to bathtubs, such principles are equally applicable to shower stall liners and other fluid holding members (i.e. a tank or the like).[0003] 2. Background Art[0004] Bathtub replacement and / or remodeling has long been known in the art. Due to the costs involved with the replacement of bathtubs, alternatives have been developed. Included in these alternatives is the use of a liner (or cover) which is molded to fit over an existing bathtub thereby eliminating the cost of removing the existing bathtub.[0005] While the use of bathtub liners has provided an attractive alternative to bathtub replacement, there are nevertheless dr...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B29C51/10B29C51/16B29C51/18
CPCB29C51/10B29C51/162B29C51/18B29C2791/006Y10T156/1005B29L2031/7692B29L2031/7696Y10S425/047B29C2791/007
InventorDOMANICO, MARK WAYNE
OwnerDOMANICO MARK WAYNE